Boris Benedikter, Ph.D. Postdoc in Optimal Control & AI for Aerospace Autonomy

About Me

I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona, and a member of the Space Safety, Security, and Sustainability (Space4) Center. My research lies at the intersection of aerospace autonomy, optimal control theory, and machine learning, where I develop algorithms that make intelligent systems safe, reliable, and verifiable.

I design methods that unify the rigor of optimal control and convex optimization with the adaptability of AI to enable autonomous spacecraft, aerial vehicles, and robotic systems to operate safely in uncertain and dynamic environments. Ultimately, my goal is to advance trustworthy autonomy, ensuring that next-generation aerospace systems can make intelligent decisions while satisfying stringent safety and mission requirements.

I received my Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Space Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome in 2022. My work bridges theory and application, with domains spanning spacecraft guidance and control, space domain awareness, UAV navigation, and robotic systems, all unified by a focus on rigorous, data-informed decision making.

Education

  • 2018 – 2022
    Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Space Engineering
    Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
  • 2016 – 2018
    M.Sc. in Space and Astronautical Engineering
    Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
  • 2013 – 2016
    B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering
    Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Employment

  • 2023 – Present
    Postdoctoral Research Associate
    University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
  • 2022 – 2023
    Postdoctoral Researcher
    Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
  • Mar – Jul 2021
    Visiting Scholar
    University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN